Intraspecific characterization of T. cruzi stocks by the lectins from Triticum vulgaris and Arachis hypogaea.

The agglutination behavior of four-days-old epimastigote culture forms of T. cruzi, and T. cruzi-like stocks from different South American countries were tested with 15 lectins. Two agglutination types can be distinguished: Typ 1 includes stocks which react with Triticum vulgaris and Aaptos papillata II (WGA-type). Type 2 includes stocks agglutinated by Arachis hypogaea and Aaptos papillata II (PNA-type). The reactions with the lectins from Triticum vulgaris and Aaptos papillata II can be correlated with the presence of N-Acetylneuraminic acid on the cell surface of these flagellates. After treatment with neuraminidase the WGA-type T. cruzi-like Morcego 1354 is agglutinated by Arachis hypogaea but not by the N-Acetylneuraminic acid specific lectins from Triticum vulgaris and Aaptos papillata II.